Javier Calamaro

Argentinean singer/songwriter Javier Calamaro began writing songs while still very young and launched his first group, Frappé, in 1983 alongside vocalist Hernán Reyna. Drummer Leonardo Ramella, bassist Pablo Martín, and keyboardist Federico Oldenburgo later entered the lineup, prompting a name change to el Corte; the band cut a self-titled album in 1986 and issued El Camino Contrario the following year. After el Corte dissolved in 1988, Calamaro formed los Guarros, a project that ultimately produced six albums. In 1995 he released his debut book, Mi Amigo Jack, and the next year assembled a benefit record for Chiapas’ native communities that drew contributions from Leon Gieco and Mercedes Sosa. He repeated the gesture in 1998 with an album released as Pampa del Indio, this time supporting Argentinean minority groups. Also in 1998 Calamaro embarked on a solo career under contract with Sony Music, unveiling Diez de Corazones and then Quitapenas in 2000, the latter containing his interpretation of Virus’ “Imágenes Paganas.”